A R Rahman Turns Attari Border Into Musical Spectacle with ‘Jai Ho’ Tribute

Oscar and Grammy-winning composer A R Rahman delivered his first-ever live performance at the Attari–Wagah Border on Sunday, turning the iconic frontier into a grand cultural stage during the Beating Retreat ceremony at JCP Stadium in Punjab.

The special programme, titled “Jai Ho - A Musical Salute to the Bravehearts” , was organised as a tribute to the Border Security Force (BSF) and formed part of the promotional campaign for filmmaker Imtiaz Ali ’s upcoming cross-border drama Main Vaapas Aaunga . The event merged the daily ceremonial retreat with a live orchestral showcase, drawing thousands of visitors to the border venue.

Rahman opened the evening with his composition Chanda Suraj Lakhon Taare , before moving into selections from the film’s soundtrack. The performance lineup included Maskara , rendered by Nilanjana Ghosh and Vedang Raina, followed by Ishq Mastana , performed by Mohit Chauhan alongside Pooja Tiwari and Nargis, blending orchestral arrangements with live vocals.

The finale featured Rahman’s iconic patriotic composition “Maa Tujhe Salaam” , which received an enthusiastic response from the audience as the ceremony reached its climax against the symbolic backdrop of the India-Pakistan border.

The event was attended by members of the film’s cast and production team, including Vedang Raina, producers Ananya Birla of Birla Studios and Mohit Choudhary of Window Seat Films, along with director Imtiaz Ali. The gathering also marked a creative reunion between Rahman, Ali and lyricist Irshad Kamil, known for their earlier collaborations on Rockstar , Tamasha and Amar Singh Chamkila .

Set against the backdrop of the Partition of India in 1947 , Main Vaapas Aaunga explores themes of love, separation and memory across divided landscapes. The film stars Diljit Dosanjh, Naseeruddin Shah, Sharvari Wagh and Vedang Raina, with music composed by Rahman.

Ali described the performance as an ode to the national spirit and the emotional legacy of Partition, calling it a celebration of unity, courage and shared humanity inspired by border narratives. The music album of Main Vaapas Aaunga has been dedicated to the courage and sacrifice of Indian armed forces personnel. The film is scheduled for theatrical release on June 12.